My Winter Project: 3 HP International BOOSTER

Bill Bens

| July/August 1999

18230 se 315th Street Auburn, Washington 98092

Traveling near Sandpoint, Idaho, a few years ago, I stumbled
across a 3 HP International Booster, manufactured by the
International Harvester Company of Chicago, Illinois. The two-cycle
engine was sitting in the bushes by a woodshed and was in a sad
state of disrepair. I was able to make a deal with the rusty
engine's owner and hauled it to my home near Auburn,
Washington.

I decided to make this little engine a winter project. The
piston was frozen solid and the block was badly broken. The piston
had to be broken to take it out. Mike Moyer, a friend and excellent
machinist, made a new piston for me out of aluminum. I had to weld
up the block and bore and sleeve the cylinder. The gas tank was
totally rusted, and Mike Green of Des Moines, Iowa, fabricated a
new one of galvanized metal.

The first debut of this engine will be at the Antique Farm
Engine & Tractor Show in Roy, Washington, July 10 and 11. I
also hope to take it to several northwest shows this summer.
Hopefully, I can find out a little more of this engine's
history or uses. If anyone has any information, please don't
hesitate to contact me.

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